Leadership styles within the South African Police Service : a case of national head office divisions and components

Abstract

The research problem for this study is that certain leadership styles negatively affect performance management and the organisational culture at the National Divisions and Components of the South African Police Service (SAPS). To achieve the overall aim of the study namely, to investigate leadership styles and ethical leadership in the public sector and the ways in which leadership influences performance management and the organisational culture at the National Divisions of the SAPS, online interviews were conducted with Major Generals and Brigadiers of the Operational and Support Divisions at national level. Commanders of the Strategic Management Office were requested to complete an online questionnaire. The participants within the National Divisions and Components of the SAPS confirmed that there is a relationship between leadership styles and performance management and organisational culture. Based on the responses, it was deduced that the laissez-faire or delegative leadership style is the dominant leadership style practiced at the National Divisions and Components of the SAPS. Within the Operational and Support Divisions, the managers do discuss with the management team in specific terms who is responsible for achieving specific performance targets. However, there seems to be a gap in the alignment of goals across the various levels of the SAPS. Despite having a strategic plan, the majority of the participants indicated that the individual performance of employees does not support organisational performance. The study concluded that the command and control leadership style is part of the culture of the SAPS and, as such, determines the behaviours of its leaders, managers and members, but hinders creativity. The majority of the participants felt that the culture of the SAPS makes it difficult for the organisation to adjust to internal and external changes. Recommendations were made to the SAPS to enhance ethical leadership to improve performance management and the organisational culture.